Malta WNT Kicks-off Training Camp in Anticipation of Clash Against World Cup Qualifier Haiti

Manuela Tesse has named a provisional squad of 31 players, comprised of several new faces amid a selection starved of Birkirkara FC’s players. The training camp is under-way and will culminate on the 27^th June, before the team heads off to Switzerland for a friendly against Haiti on July 1.  

Squad Selection

With no less than six goalkeepers, the provisional selection makes for an interesting assessment. Veteran and first-choice goalkeeper Janice Xuereb (Birkirkara FC) is joined by Patricia Ebejer (Mgarr United), Raisa Costantino (Hibernians FC) and Giulia D’Antuono (Raiders FC), all of whom have been the mainstays in goal for their respective clubs throughout the season. Maria Abdilla (Mtarfa FC) and Maya Cachia (Venezia Calcio) have also been called up by Tesse.

In defence, the coach has called four of Swieqi United’s players in Jessica Dimech, Jade Schembri, Emma Xuereb and Tammy Falzon, all of whom played significant roles in securing the Assikura Women’s Knockout last May. Of these four, Falzon receives her first call-up. Similarly, Raiders FC Georgiana Mifsud is a new name on Tesse’s squad, following appearances with the U19 squad earlier in the year.

Rebecca Bajada and Maia Debono of Mgarr United, also return to the teamsheet alongside Emma Lipman (Como Women). Hibernians FC’s Nicole Sciberras is joined by club teammates Amy Busuttil, Chloe Ann Ellul and Yolande Attard, with the latter trio receiving first calls by Tesse following solid showings during the season.

In midfield, Swieqi United’s pairing of Dorianne Theuma and Shona Zammit retain their spots, as do Mgarr United’s captain Brenda Borg and Rachel Cuschieri who plies her trade in Italy’s top flight with Sampdoria Women. Maya Lucia (Genoa) and Emma Ciantar Piccinino (London Seaward) make their first appearances in Tesse’s provisional squad. Yulya Carella also earns a nod following impressive outings for Mgarr United and also with the U19 squad.

In attack, the match-winner against Estonia, Maria Farrugia of Durham FC, keeps her place. Kailey Willis (Chievo Verona) also returns, as do Mariah Sciberras (Swieqi United) and veteran Ylenia Carabott (Spezia). Raiders FC duo Leah Ayres and Sarah Vella Barberi also make the sheet, with the latter earning her first call-up by Tesse.

Notable Absentees

In contrast to previous selections, the provisional teamsheet is starved of Birkirkara FC players except for the presence of goalkeeper Janice Xuereb. This is understood to be related to the side’s preparations for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifications. MFA Footballer of the Year and MFPA Women’s Best Player recipient Jade Flask (Swieqi United) is still unavailable following injury. Meanwhile, Haley Bugeja is tied up with her commitments for Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Friendly Against Haiti

The training camp will run until the 27^th of June, following which the team will travel to Switzerland to face Haiti for a friendly on July 1 with kick-off scheduled for 6 pm.

It will be the toughest test so far under Tesse’s guide, as the Maltese team (FIFA ranked world number 86) locks horns against FIFA’s world number 53. However, Malta will welcome the challenge as they focus on preparation for the upcoming UEFA Nations League where they will face Moldova, Latvia and Andorra.

Meanwhile, Haiti will eye a strong showing as they prepare to head off to Australia & New Zealand for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup. It will be their first appearance in the competition following beating Chile in a play-off. They have been drawn in Group D where they will face England, China and Denmark for a place in the last sixteen.

Photo: Malta FA